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Hamilton: You have to back yourself

Lewis Hamilton has named top three drivers on the grid but adds that as a driver you have to believe you’re the best…

Lewis Hamilton has named Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg as his top three drivers on the grid but adds that as a driver you have to believe you’re the best.

Top drivers, and indeed most sportsman at the pinnacle of their profession, are often accused of being arrogant, possessing too much self-confidence. However, Hamilton insists that is what is required to reach the top.

“We all believe we are the best and that’s what you have to do, unless you like to finish second,” Hamilton told El Pais.

With five World Champions and a number of up and coming drivers on show, the current F1 grid is certainly not short of talent but Hamilton is clear on who he feels are at the front of the queue.

“[The best] are Alonso, Vettel and Rosberg – who I’ve known since I was 13. He [Rosberg] is about to explode and will at any time. Sebastian is in a good Red Bull and has a lot of confidence.

“Fernando is very talented and is fully supported by his team. The whole team supports and follows him. It is he who leads Ferrari. I’m not saying it’s good or bad, it’s just the option that they have chosen.”

Hamilton’s McLaren team-mate Jenson Button has stated in the past that a real champion can’t make as many mistakes as Vettel does, but Hamilton disagrees.

“Does he? Everyone makes errors, whether you have won a World title or not. It’s true that Sebastian had a very fast car but he also had to do his part to eventually win,” the Briton added.